Who is ALICE?
ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county (the ALICE Threshold).
Rent or electric bill? Food or prescription drug? For too many hardworking households, impossible decisions such as these are a way of life. When ALICE is forced to make difficult choices, the entire community faces consequences.
Prior to COVID-19 and the economic crisis, 10% of Wells County households were living below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Another 21% — twice as many — were ALICE households: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households earn above the FPL, but not enough to afford basic household necessities.
ALICE households make tough choices between child care and getting to work. They are food-insecure seniors facing additional health risks. They are single parents unable to afford health care and housing. We must work together to invest in and advocate for ALICE households in Wells County. The success of a community is directly related to the financial stability of its members.